Andorra Endavant proposes supermarkets sell near‑expiry food at cost to cut waste

Andorra Endavant will submit a proposal to the Consell General, invoking the country’s circular economy law, that asks the government to promote measures to reduce food waste in supermarkets. The proposal, led by party head Carine Montaner, seeks to open talks with major food retailers on a framework agreement to create dedicated shelves or points of sale for products nearing their expiry date and to sell those items at cost.

The initiative calls for studying and introducing fiscal incentives and a “Solidarity Shop” label for businesses that voluntarily join the scheme, together with public recognition of good practices. Andorra Endavant says such incentives would encourage voluntary participation by commercial operators and reward commitments to both waste reduction and consumer affordability.

A central element of the proposal is that products sold through the scheme be offered at cost. Andorra Endavant notes that a regulation adopted in September 2023 already sets criteria for spaces to prevent food waste, but the novelty of their motion is the explicit proposal that near‑expiry goods be priced at cost rather than at a discounted market price.

To guarantee safety and consumer confidence, the party requests establishment of a control, inspection and quality protocol to ensure items sold under the measure meet sanitary, labeling and traceability requirements. The proposal also seeks transparency measures so consumers can clearly identify participating products and businesses.

Andorra Endavant asks for regular reporting to the Consell General on the number of participating establishments, the volume of product marketed through the system, the impact on food‑waste reduction and any associated social benefits. The party argues these metrics are necessary to assess effectiveness and to adjust the scheme as needed.

The motion frames the measure within rising living costs in Andorra, particularly for housing and food, and highlights the vulnerability of middle‑ and low‑income families, pensioners and many young people. It also points to the environmental, ethical and economic costs of discarding edible products solely because their expiry date is approaching.

Andorra Endavant cites examples from other European countries that have implemented mechanisms to cut food waste and says the proposal would align Andorra with those practices, make groceries more affordable for vulnerable groups and promote a culture of social responsibility among retailers.